Joining a well-recognized franchise system can help an entrepreneur find business success; however, starting the commercial leasing process in the right direction is critical for achieving the best results. If you take the wrong path, you may not achieve your goals or even your business's full potential.

Free rent is just one negotiable factor in a commercial lease. Even if you did not receive a rent-free period when you signed your first lease, you may be eligible for one when you renew, although you may have to work harder to get free rent on a renewal.

As we explain in our new book, Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals FOR DUMMIES, the most common reason tenants lease space instead of buying a location is because of availability – or a lack thereof. Ninety-five percent of all commercial space is for lease and not for sale.

When looking at franchise systems to join, potential franchisees will notice that many franchisors will operate on a “cookie cutter” system where each franchise store should more-or-less look and operate the same.